FC Barcelona Want Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan

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FC Barcelona are in the market for the Bundesliga trio of Ilkay Gundogan, Mats Hummels, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, reports AS.com.

At the request of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, FC Barcelona are scouting for talent in Germany. The Catalans have been linked with transfer moves for Mats Hummels and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. But a third name now joins the Bundesliga shopping list: Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan, alongside Hummels, rose to international attention for their performances with Jürgen Klopp’s Dortmund. The 22-year-old Gundogan has become one of the side’s key players, a midfield orchestrater with incredible passing and vision that belies his relative youth. His particular skill set means that Gundogan would slot seamlessly into Barcelona’s style of possession-based football. And with Xavi’s genius getting no younger, a young understudy like Gundogan could be exactly what Barcelona need for coming years.

However, Gundogan has summarily dismissed transfer rumors in the past, insisting that he would like to stay on at Dortmund.

His teammate Mats Hummels, on the other hand, has stated that he would not be adverse to signing for Barcelona should they come knocking. Already hailed as one of the best center backs in the world, Mats Hummels has both the experience and potential for even further growth.

And with Victor Valdes’ departure imminent, Barcelona have Borussia Mönchengladbach’s young goalkeeper on their replacements short list. Ter Stegen has the qualities for the job. The 20-year-old is a modern goalkeeper par excellence, the proverbial “11th outfielder” with excellent distribution skills to go with his shot-stopping prowess. A transfer to Barcelona would be a huge step forward in the youngster’s development.

These are three young but experienced players, the ultimate high-yield investment. More importantly, all three are well-suited to Barcelona’s football philosophy and would make fine additions to the squad for 2013/14.